The fluorescence of the Acela cart overhead panels is widening the aperture of my migraine. Dovetails. I like that word. The train cars jolt to the sharp curve of the railroad beneath. It feels like a hopeless purgatory where napkins don’t exist and the lights never go out. I’m listening to chapter 3 of the Normal People audiobook on Spotify and I have salt and vinegar flavor crystallized to my fingertips; I wipe them on my Ganni dress, which I purchased from ThredUp - which has about 30 entries of the same dress because it’s not their best work (Ganni’s that is). The sticky residue is from those new Wilde protein chips, they’re disgusting if you’re wondering; this is what cattle must feel, being shoved and shepherded up the Northeast corridor. I used the bathroom at Union Station before getting on the Amtrak (because it makes me nervous to leave my belongings at my seat. leaving all accountability to a stranger who owes me nothing). The smell of the toilet was ghastly. According to the Mayo Clinic, my migraine and nausea are symptomatic of a brain tumor, I think I’ll bring it up at my next doctor’s appointment if I remember to.
I’m running out of ideas these days for anything that’s not for the pickle jar. I stare at a blank page and the sentences die at the word’s second letter. And then the migraine comes. I bought a space heater, which means I have one more item in my room to triple-check is unplugged after I leave the house and walk down the street until the image of that plugged-in appliance reenters my mind and I stop, turn around, open the front door, up the stairs, unlock the front door and then walk to my room to see the hair straightener, space heater, and hair dryer all unplugged, wrapped up neatly in my basket of randomness. Could you imagine if we had a fireplace? I’d never make it to the office! Naturally, I’m doing a lot of mindless listening to podcasts which has turned me into a vaccum for information. I’m a terrible listener.
Here’s some news I care about.
The mental health and pain epidemic battling the United States and the world is stifling. There was a 7.0 earthquake reported off the coast of Northern California last week, and the PRC’s mineral export ban is a serious and grave development in the continuous chronicles of the trade war between the two global powers in an era of Strategic Competition.
It’s December which means it’s time for Forbes 30 under 30, Spotify Wrapped, Beli Plated, the holidays, the New York Times’ most stylish of the year, and best movies of the year, so I’d thought it would be a good time to do awesome moments from 2024 (in no particular order):
Moving to Greenpoint with gals I’ve known for more than a decade.
Going “skiing” for the first time at Hunter Mountain with the best; Melanie and I fell atop the very beginning part where the concrete turns to snow and were not able to get up until the dad of an 8-year-old pro skier came over and lifted us up; then Melanie had to watch me fall on the magic carpet in front of the toddler skiers. Pro tip: don’t hold hands with your fellow beginner and do one foot each in unison; you will fall.
Caroline Challe working on the advance team for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Emma getting into grad school!!!!!!!!!!
Being asked to be bridesmaids for Zöe & Ben and Ellie & Zach !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Using mini microphones to make a video for Gemma’s birthday.
The Irish accent.
Dressing as a fairy elf for Halloween (A Midsummer Night's Dream core)
Anna’s recommendation of leathery red wine. And her visit from SF.
The Moneta Lake House with the Puccinellis. Singing Dreams.
“We wish we could take the pain our friends feel and then 1/16 it between all of us so you don’t feel it but we feel but a small pinch.”
Retelling unbelievable college stories and asking yourself: how did that happen?
Listening to Irish rap music while running.
Sharing a wall with Gemma.
Garvey’s birthday in Philly.
Nina and Hannah coming to Philly ^ for it.
Our Town with Johnny.
Planning a scavenger hunt.
Buying a mini Xmas tree and Emma’s little gifts under the tree.
This mini Ikea in Greenpoint
Substack :O
“Shanice your mouth is moving a lot like a rat…shut it please”
Jasmine flavor or smell or anything
Land to Sea in Williamsburg - writer workspace!!!
Pickles
And Jars.
i love this i love you
Was an excellent Halloween costume!! Also was just at a bday weekend where that Shanice quote featured heavily hahahahah stop it